Paintbrush cleaning tool

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/339,301, filed May 6, 2022, and titled “PAINTBRUSH CLEANING TOOL”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in the entirety.

Current products for cleaning paintbrushes often fail to adequately clean individual bristles. For example, some current devices utilize liquids, such as water, to spray and/or otherwise rinse the bristles. However, typically these devices fail to adequately remove paint along an entire length of the bristle, especially in regions near the brush head. Other devices include combs that are designed to strip paint from in-between the bristles. However, such devices may struggle to remove all of the paint, especially without the use of water or other solvents. Additionally, conventional cleaning tools may damage the bristles and render the paintbrush unsuitable for further use. Therefore improvements in the area of paintbrush cleaning implements are desired.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to paintbrush cleaning tools that more effectively remove paint from paintbrushes without damaging the bristles. More particularly, embodiments are directed to paintbrush cleaning tools that are attachable to water sources, such as hoses and/or faucets to supply a controlled flow of water to a paintbrush. Embodiments also include a number of spiked protrusions and/or ridges that help separate the bristles to enable water flow to better penetrate deep within the bristles.

Some embodiments of the present technology may encompass paintbrush cleaning tools. The paintbrush cleaning tools may include a tool body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The tool body may define an inlet port on a first end and a plurality of outlet ports on a second end opposite the first end. The inlet port may be configured to couple with a hose. The tool body may define at least one channel that fluidly couples the inlet port with the plurality of outlet ports. Each of the first surface and the second surface may include a plurality of teeth that extend outward from the respective surface of the tool body. Each of the first surface second surface may include a plurality of ridges that extend along at least a portion of a length of the respective surface.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ridges is disposed proximate the second end of the tool body. Each of the plurality of ridges may separate two adjacent outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports. Each plurality of outlet ports may be arranged along a width of the second end of the tool body. The plurality of teeth may be arranged in multiple rows. The teeth in each row may be staggered relative to teeth in an adjacent row. A thickness of the tool body may decrease in a direction of the first end.

Some embodiments of the present technology may encompass paintbrush cleaning tools that include a tool body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The tool body may define an inlet port on a first end and a plurality of outlet ports on a second end opposite the first end. The tool body may define at least one channel that fluidly couples the inlet port with the plurality of outlet ports. The first surface may include a plurality of teeth that extend outward from the first surface. The first surface may include a plurality of ridges that extend along at least a portion of a length of the first surface.

In some embodiments, a height of each of the plurality of ridges may increase along a length of the respective ridge in a direction from the first end to the second end. The inlet port may include threads that are configured to engage with a hose. The second surface may include one or both of an additional plurality of ridges and an additional plurality of teeth. The plurality of ridges may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool body. The plurality of ridges may wrap around the first end of the tool body so as to extend continuously from the first surface to the second surface. Each of the plurality of outlet ports may be oriented to emit water in a direction that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the tool body.

Some embodiments of the present technology may encompass paintbrush cleaning tools that include a tool body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The tool body may define an inlet port on a first end and a plurality of outlet ports on a second end opposite the first end. The tool body may define at least one channel that fluidly couples the inlet port with the plurality of outlet ports. The first surface may include a plurality of teeth that extend outward from the first surface. The first surface may include a plurality of ridges that extend along at least a portion of length of the first surface.

In some embodiments, the tool body may have a thickness of less than about 0.75 inches at the first end. Each of the plurality of teeth may have a height of at least about 0.25 inches. The plurality of outlet ports may span a lateral distance that is greater than a width of the inlet port. The tool body may widen along a length of the tool body in a direction from the first end to the second end. The plurality of teeth may be positioned within a medial region of the tool body.

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices for cleaning paintbrushes. In particular, embodiments are directed to attachments for fluid flow devices, such as hoses, faucets, and/or other fluid delivery sources that may be used to clean paint, stain, and/or other substances from the bristles and/or other application surfaces of a paintbrush or other applicator. Embodiments may enable the brushes to be cleaned thoroughly without damaging the bristles, which may enable the lifespan of the paintbrushes to be increased. In addition, embodiments according to the present technology provide for robust cleaning of the base of one or more bristles, allowing for more even cleaning over one or more regions of a respective bristle or a plurality of bristles. While discussed primarily in the context of a tool for cleaning paintbrushes, it will be appreciated that the invention is not so limited and can be utilized to clean and/or deliver fluid to any number of objects.

Turning now to, one embodiment of a paintbrush cleaning toolis illustrated. Toolmay include a tool body, which may include a first surfaceand a second surfacepositioned opposite the first surface. Sidewallsandmay extend between and couple the first surfaceand the second surfacein some embodiments. For example, the sidewallsandmay be generally orthogonal (or at another angle) relative to the first surfaceand/or the second surfaceto join the first and second surfaces to form a three-dimensional tool body. For example, the first surfaceand/or second surfacemay be generally planar along a width of the tool bodyat any point along a length of the tool body, with the first surfaceand the second surfacebeing spaced apart from one another to define a partially hollow or open interior. However, as will be discussed in greater detail below, in embodiments, the first surfaceand/or second surfacemay taper towards one another moving from a first inlet endtowards a second outlet end. In other embodiments, rather than including sidewallsand, edges of the first surfaceand/or second surfacemay taper toward the other surface such that edges of the opposing surfaces are joined, while leaving a medial portion of the surfaces spaced apart to define the open interior.

The tool bodymay include a first inlet endthat defines an inlet portand a second outlet endthat is spaced apart from the inlet endalong a length of the tool body. The outlet endmay define a plurality of outlet portsthat may be fluidly coupled with the inlet port. In some embodiments, the inlet portmay be configured to couple with a fluid delivery source, such as via a faucet, hose, and/or other mechanism. For example, the inlet portmay define a collar and/or other female connector that may receive a hose and/or faucet fitting. The connector may include internal threading that may engage corresponding threads of the fluid delivery source fitting. In other embodiments, the inlet portmay define a male connector that may engage with a corresponding female connector of the fluid delivery source.

The outlet portsmay be spaced apart from one another along a width of the outlet end, at regular and/or irregular intervals. In some embodiments, the outlet portsmay span a lateral distance that is greater than a width of the inlet port. The outlet portsmay have circular cross-sections or may have any other shape of cross-section. The outlet portsmay each have a diameter (or other largest lateral dimension) of between about 0.005 inches and 0.125 inches, such as greater than or about 0.001 inches, such as greater than or about 0.005 inches, such as greater than or about 0.01 inches, such as greater than or about 0.05 inches, such as greater than or about 0.1 inches, such as up to about 0.125 inches, or any ranges or values therebetween. In some embodiments, the collective open area of the outlet portsmay be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the inlet port, which may enable fluid to exit the outlet portsat a greater velocity than the fluid enters the inlet port. In some embodiments, the inlet portand/or outlet portsmay include adjustable nozzles that enable a size of the respective opening to be adjusted to control the flow rate and/or pressure through the respective opening. While illustrated with a single linear row of outlet ports, it will be appreciated that the outlet portsmay be arranged in multiple rows and/or in non-linear arrangements. The outlet portsmay be oriented to emit water or other fluid in a direction that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the tool body. Tool bodymay define at least or about four outlet ports, at least or about five outlet ports, at least or about six outlet ports, at least or about seven outlet ports, at least or about eight outlet ports, at least or about nine outlet ports, at least or about ten outlet ports, or more.

As noted above, the inlet portand the outlet portsmay be fluidly coupled with one another. For example, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of, the interior of the tool bodymay define a number of channelsthat divide at least a portion of the interior of the tool bodyinto a number of separate fluid paths. The channelsmay extend from the outlet endtoward the inlet end, where the channels may be joined at a plenum. The channelsmay be defined by a number of ribsthat extend between and couple the first surfaceand the second surface. In some embodiments, some or all of the ribsmay be generally parallel with the length of the tool body, while in other embodiments at least some of the ribsmay taper inward or outward, which may direct the water to the outlet portsand/or may control a pressure of the fluid exiting the tool body. For example, ribsthat taper inward (e.g., decrease the flow volume) may increase the pressure of the fluid, while ribsthat taper outward (e.g., increase the flow volume) may decrease the pressure of the fluid. In some embodiments, additional ribsmay be provided in or near the plenum. These ribsmay help stabilize and strengthen the tool bodyand, in some embodiments, may be substantially parallel to sidewallsand. In some embodiments, additional ribs and/or other features to increase the pressure of the fluid may be provided within the interior of the tool body. For example, pressure ribsmay be provided that taper inward and/or outward in the downstream direction to increase or decrease the fluid pressure exiting the outlet ports. As illustrated, pressure ribsmay extend outward from one or more of the ribs(or other ribs) to alter the flow path within the interior and to adjust the fluid pressure. For example, as shown pressure ribsextend laterally outward and form an acute angle with the downstream portion of ribs, without contacting an adjacent ribsuch that a fluid path is present between each adjacent rib

It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the various ribs shown inis merely representative of one particular embodiment and that numerous rib configurations exist to meet the needs of different applications.

In some embodiments, each of the first surfaceand the second surfaceis characterized by a generally hexagonal shape. For example, as best illustrated in, the inlet endmay couple with sidewallsthat taper outward toward a medial regionof the tool body, where sidewallsjoin with generally parallel sidewallsthat extend to the outlet end. In other words, a width of the tool bodymay increase along all or part of a length of the tool bodyin a direction of the outlet end. In some embodiments, the sidewallsmay include flared portionthat tapers outward toward the outlet end, as illustrated in. In yet other embodiments, the width of the tool bodymay decrease along all or part of a length of the tool bodyin a direction of the outlet end, which may enable the tool bodyto better match the size of smaller brushes. For instance, while not shown, in embodiments, sidewallsmay mirror ribs, forming a narrowing taper towards second end.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the tool bodymay be constant along the length of the tool body. In other embodiments, the thickness may vary along the length of the tool body. For example, as best illustrated in, at least a portion of the tool bodymay taper from a thicker region proximate the inlet endto a thinner region proximate the outlet end. The taper may be at a constant angle, may include multiple linear and/or curved tapers, and/or may include a single contour of a constant and/or varying radius. For example, all or a portion of the sidewallsandmay taper on a first surface-sideand/or a second surface sideof the sidewallandsuch that a thickness or distance between the first surfaceand/or second surfacetaper along at least a portion of the length of the tool body. In some embodiments, the taper may start in the medial regionand may continue until contacting the outlet endand/or proximate the outlet end. In some embodiments, a thickness of the tool body may be less than about 0.75 inches at the outlet end, less than about 0.5 inches, less than about 0.25 inches, less than about 0.15 inches, or less. Such thicknesses at the outlet endmay enable the medial regionand/or outlet endto be inserted within the bristles of a paintbrush to better remove paint from the interior bristles of the brush. The tapered design may help facilitate insertion of the tool bodyinto the brush and may help minimize any bending or other damage to the bristles during cleaning of the brush.

In some embodiments, exterior surfaces of the first surfaceand/or second surfacemay include a number of ridgesthat extend along at least a portion of a length of the respective surface of the tool body. For example the ridgesmay protrude outward from the exterior surface from or proximate the outlet endand may extend toward the inlet end. The ridgesmay terminate within the medial regionin some embodiments. The ridgesmay extend along all or a portion of the tapered section of the tool body. Each ridgemay have a constant or variable height relative to the exterior surface from which it protrudes. For example, as illustrated, each ridgehas a maximum height at the outlet end, with the height gradually reducing until the ridgeis coplanar with the exterior surface of the tool bodywithin the medial region. In other words, a height of each ridgeincreases along a length of the ridgein a direction moving from the medial regiontowards the outlet end. Oftentimes, the ridgesmay run parallel to the length of the tool body, which may help facilitate the insertion of the tool bodyinto the bristles of a brush. In some embodiments, some or all of the ridgesmay terminate on a distal end of the respective surface proximate the outlet end, while in other embodiments, some or all of the ridgesmay wrap around or otherwise extend to the outlet end. For example, the ridgesmay be provided continuously along one of the exterior surfaces of the tool bodyand onto the outlet end. In some embodiments in which the ridgesare provided on both the first surfaceand the second surface, the ridgesmay wrap around or otherwise extend continuously along the first surface, outlet end, and second surface. Some or all of the ridgesmay separate adjacent outlet ports. In other embodiments, multiple (or no) outlet portsmay be disposed between adjacent ridges.

In some embodiments, exterior surfaces of the first surfaceand/or second surfacemay include a number of teeththat may extend outward from the respective surface of the tool body. For example, a number of teethmay be provided within the medial region. In some embodiments, the teethmay be provided between the inlet endand the ridges. The teethmay be disposed within a planar section of the first and/or second surface as shown and/or may be provided within a tapering section of the first and/or second surface. The teethmay be arranged in one or more rows along a width of the tool body, with the teethin a given row being spaced apart from one another at regular or irregular intervals. In embodiments with multiple rows of teeth, the teethin adjacent rows may be aligned or staggered/offset relative to one another. In some embodiments, each row may have a same number of teeth, while in other embodiments one or more of the rows may have different numbers of teeth. Each of the teethmay have a height of at least or about 0.25 inches, at least or about 0.375 inches, at least or about 0.5 inches, or more. The teethmay be used to scrape paint and/or other material from the bristles of a brush.

In some embodiments, the first surfaceand the second surfacemay be identical such that the toolis symmetrical. For example, each of the first surfaceand the second surfacemay include ridgesand/or teethin a similar arrangement. In other embodiments, the first surfaceand the second surfacemay be different from one another. For example, each of the first surfaceand the second surfacemay include ridgesand/or teeth, but the ridgesand/or teethmay be in different arrangements. In other embodiments, one of the first surfaceand the second surfacemay be featureless. For example, the first surfacemay include a number of ridgesand/or teethwhile the second surfaceincludes a generally flat, featureless exterior surface. In some embodiments, both surfaces may be tapered, while in other embodiments only a single surface is tapered. For example, as illustrated in, the first surfaceis tapered, while the second surfaceis generally planar.

It will be appreciated that the tool bodies described above are merely examples, and that numerous variations in features, shapes, and sizes may exist. Additionally, the size of the tool bodyand/or arrangement, size, number, and/or style of ribs, pressure ribs, ridges, and/or teethmay vary depending on the needs of a particular application.

Nonetheless, in embodiments, the toolmay be formed as a single, monolithic piece, or may be two or more pieces joined together by a releasable or permanent attachment. In embodiments, the toolmay be molded, additively manufactured, or the like. Thus, in embodiments, regardless of the form or number of pieces, the toolmay be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid polymer, such as a plastic, in order to provide sufficient strength and structure to tool. In addition, in embodiments, the material forming all or a portion of toolmay be inert to solvents and stripping agents, such as solvents and stripping agents utilized to clean paint, thin paint, or clean paintbrushes. Thus, in embodiments, the toolmay be formed from polyethylene, including high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, a thermoplastic elastomer, a urethane, a nylon, a polyoxymethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a polycarbonate, or combinations thereof.

illustrates a flowchart showing the operations of a methodof cleaning a brush according to one embodiment of the present invention. Methodmay be performed using a paintbrush cleaning tool, such as tooldescribed herein. Methodmay begin at operationby fluidly coupling an inlet port (such as inlet port) of the tool to a fluid delivery source, such as a hose, faucet, spigot, etc. Fluid, such as water or another solvent, may be delivered into a tool body of the tool via the inlet port, and may be ejected from the tool body at an increased flow rate and/or pressure at operation. For example, the fluid may be ejected from a number of outlet ports (such as outlet ports) defined within the tool body. The tool may be inserted within the bristles of a brush at operation. This may enable the fluid to be delivered deep in the belly of the brush, between the bristles, and toward a heel/ferrule of the brush and/or into the base of the bristles. The fluid may flush any paint, stain, powder, and/or other material out from the interior of the brush. In some embodiments, the methodmay include dragging the bristles of the brush through a number of teeth (such as teeth) provided on an exterior surface of the tool at operation. This may help comb out any loose and/or dried paint to further clean the bristles of the brush.

It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description provides example embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Also, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, “contains”, “containing”, “include”, “including”, and “includes”, when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. “About” and/or “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. “Substantially” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein.

As used herein, including in the claims, “and” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” or “one or more of” indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.